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Situated on Mount Desert Island on Maine's scenic Atlantic Coast, Bar Harbor makes a great base for exploring nearby Acadia National Park.

Nearly half the island is devoted to the park, a vast wilderness area that is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts who take advantage of the park's great walking, scenic coastal vistas and pristine beaches.

The park consists of three distinct parts: Mount Desert Island, the Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut which is accessible only by boat. Granite-topped mountains and scenic bays dot the dramatic park landscape and offer secluded hill and coastal walking as well as excellent wildlife viewing with seals, beavers, puffins and bald eagles frequently sighted.

Over 120 miles of hiking trails delve into the remote corners of this spectacular wilderness area and offer access to Somes Sound, a narrow fjord that almost splits the island in two, and Cadillac Mountain, which offers spectacular ocean views.

The easiest way to explore the park is by driving the Park Loop Road, but shuttle buses also operate and bicycles can be hired. Bar Harbor, a bustling town during the summer months, makes an ideal base for a few days of relaxation by the sea and offers easy access to the park.